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March 18, 2010

Dice Throws BP

No restrictions, no hesitation, he feels good about himself. How he feels about himself is a huge component at this point, and all those are positive signs. We don't want to skip any steps along the way here. We want to be sure that he has ample time ... to build a foundation that's going to endure an entire season.

Matsuzaka felt like he had good life on his fastball and good command of his breaking stuff. There was no indication of any back or neck problems. He is expected to throw a bullpen session on Friday and work in a minor league game on Sunday. However, his delayed start in camp will probably mean he'll begin the season on the disabled list.

One candidate for the final spot in the bullpen is Scott Atchinson, who has pitched five innings this spring and allowed no runs and no walks (5-4-0-0-5). ... In addition to Jed Lowrie battling mononucleosis, Jacoby Ellsbury did not play yesterday because of a sore throat and Gil Velazquez was out after jamming his thumb into first base. Josh Beckett, who missed a start because of a cold, is expected to pitch on Friday.

No Grapefruit game today, but Clay Buchholz will pitch in a minor league game.